"THE VOICE" RANKS #1 FOR THE PRIMETIME WEEK OF MARCH 5-11 IN 18-49

NBC JUMPS 20 PERCENT VS. THE SAME WEEK LAST YEAR IN ADULTS 18-49; ALSO GAINS BY DOUBLE-DIGITS IN EVERY OTHER KEY RATINGS CATEGORY

'THE VOICE' IS #1 FOR THE WEEK IN ADULTS 18-49, ADULTS 18-34, ALL KEY ADULT-FEMALE DEMOS, TEENS AND KIDS

FOR FIVE OF THE LAST SIX WEEKS, 'THE VOICE' HAS RANKED #1 OR TIED FOR #1 AMONG ALL SERIES PROGRAMS ON ABC, CBS, NBC OR FOX IN ADULTS 18-49

ON MONDAY, 'THE VOICE' TOPS EVERY SERIES TELECAST ON ABC, CBS, NBC OR FOX OVER THE PRIOR FOUR WEEKS

MONDAY'S 'SMASH' SCORES A 17 PERCENT INCREASE WEEK TO WEEK TO HIT A THREE-WEEK HIGH

ON WEDNESDAY, 'WHITNEY' SCORES THREE-WEEK HIGHS IN 18-49 AND TOTAL VIEWERS AND 'CHELSEA' EARNS FOUR-WEEK HIGHS

ON THURSDAY, 'PARKS AND RECREATION' NABS ITS HIGHEST 18-49 RATING SINCE JANUARY, WHILE 'THE OFFICE' AND 'UP ALL NIGHT' MATCH FIVE-WEEK HIGHS

THURSDAY'S 'AWAKE' BEATS NBC'S SLOT AVERAGE BEFORE 'AWAKE' BY 33 PERCENT IN 18-49

FRIDAY'S 'DATELINE NBC' GROWS 23 PERCENT WEEK TO WEEK IN TOTAL VIEWERS

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 13, 2012 - With "The Voice" ranking as primetime's #1 show of the week on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49, NBC has delivered an average 1.8 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 6.0 million viewers overall for the week of March 5-11, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

Versus the same week last year, NBC is up 20 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 1.8 vs. a 1.5. NBC is also up by double-digit percentages in all other key ratings categories: adults, men and women 18-34; men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 25-54; plus total viewers. NBC ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults, men and women 18-34 and women 18-49 (tied) for the week.

The broad-based Monday hit "The Voice" ranked #1 for the week among all primetime shows on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49 with a 6.2 rating, and was also #1 in adults 18-34, all key adult-female demographics (including a tie in women 25-54), teens 12-17 and kids 2-11. This marks the fifth time in six weeks "The Voice" has been #1 or tied for #1 among primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox.

Also ranking among last week's top-15 programs in 18-49 were NBC's "Smash" (#13) and "The Office" (tied for #14), with "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Biggest Loser" also ranking in the top 30. In the valuable adult 18-34 demo, "The Voice" was #1, "The Office" #7, "Smash" #13 and "Parks and Recreation" tied for #14.

Primetime averages for the week of March 5-11 in adults 18-49 were Fox (2.4/7), CBS (2.0/6), NBC (1.8/5), ABC (1.6/5) and CW (0.4/1). In overall total viewers the weekly averages were CBS (9.5 million), Fox (7.0 million), NBC (6.0 million), ABC (5.5 million) and CW (1.1 million).

NBC highlights for the week of March 5-11

* On Monday, "The Voice" jumped week to week by 15 percent in 18-49 rating to deliver the highest rating for any series program on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in the four weeks since the February 6 regular-slot debut of "The Voice." .

* Versus last year's fifth regular telecast, "The Voice" was up 63 percent in 18-49 rating and 98 percent in total viewers. Through five weeks, "The Voice" has delivered NBC's five highest 18-49 ratings in this time period, excluding Olympics, in nearly four and a half years.

* Also on Monday, "Smash" delivered three-week highs with week-to-week gains of 17 percent in both 18-49 and total viewers. This week's "Smash" beat NBC's time-period average this season prior to "Smash" by 170 percent in 18-49.

* NBC dominated Monday night in all key categories and more than doubled #2 ABC in 18-49.

* Tuesday's "The Biggest Loser" grew throughout its telecast to move into first place among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox by its fourth and final half-hour in adults 18-49 and other key demographics.

* On Wednesday, "Whitney" delivered three-week highs in 18-49 and total viewers and "Are You There, Chelsea?" generated four-week highs.

* On Thursday, "Parks and Recreation" delivered its highest 18-49 rating since January 19 and both "The Office" and "Up All Night" equaled five-week highs in the demo.

* Also on Thursday, "Awake" topped NBC's time-slot average prior to "Awake" by 33 percent in 18-49 rating.

* On Friday, "Dateline NBC" reported a 23 percent gain week to week in total viewers.

* On Saturday, an encore "Harry's Law" led its time period in total viewers and "The Firm" grew week to week by 50 percent in 18-49 rating and 59 percent in total viewers.

* On Sunday, the time-period debut of "Harry's Law" attracted NBC's biggest overall audience in the slot, excluding sports, since January 15.

* On Sunday, "The Celebrity Apprentice" grew from its first half-hour to its fourth to tie for #1 in adults 18-49 and rank #1 outright in adults 25-54 among ABC, CBS and NBC for its fourth half-hour from 10:30-11 p.m. ET.

Ratings reflect "live plus same day" data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of "live plus seven day" data except for the two most recent weeks, which are "live plus same day."

Additional NBC highlights for the week of March 5-11:

On Monday, March 5 from 8-10 p.m. ET, "The Voice" (6.2 rating, 16 share in adults 18-49, 16.8 million viewers overall) jumped week to week by 15 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 6.2 from a 5.4) and by 13 percent in total viewers (16.8 million vs. 14.9 million), to claim its top results in four weeks, since the show's regular-slot Monday debut the night after the Super Bowl. Versus last year's fifth regular telecast, "The Voice" was up 63 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 6.2 from a. 3.8) and up 98 percent in total viewers (16.848 million vs. 8.488 million). "The Voice" has now generated NBC's five highest non-Olympic 18-49 ratings in this slot in nearly four and a half years (since September 24, 2007).

With this week's start of the dramatic Battle Rounds, "The Voice" delivered its #3 best results ever, behind only this year's premiere following the Super Bowl and the next day's regular-slot debut. The 6.2 rating in 18-49 is the highest for any series program on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox since the February 6 regular-slot debut of "The Voice." The March 5 telecast of "The Voice" dominated its time period in all key ratings categories. From its first half-hour to its fourth, "The Voice" grew by 18 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 6.5 from a 5.5) and by 9 percent or 1.4 million persons in total viewers (17.2 million vs. 15.8 million).

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, "Smash" (2.7/7, 7.8 million viewers overall) delivered three-week highs in 18-49 and total viewers, up week to week by 17 percent in both 18-49 rating (to a 2.7 from a 2.3) and total viewers (7.755 million vs. 6.638 million). Note that "Smash" grows by an average 35 percent above these next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 ratings when Nielsen adds the extra time-shifted viewing included in "live plus seven day" results. Versus CBS and ABC encore competition, "Smash" won the hour in all key categories.

"Smash" has now delivered NBC's five highest 18-49 ratings in the time period since September 20, 2010. This week's "Smash" beat NBC's time-period average this season prior to "Smash" by 170 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 2.7 vs. a 1.0) and by 101 percent in total viewers (7.755 million vs. 3.864 million).

NBC dominated Monday night in all key categories and more than doubled #2 ABC in 18-49 (5.0 vs. 2.1). NBC has now won four of the last five Mondays in 18-49 after having not won an in-season Monday with regularly scheduled programming in four years

On Tuesday, March 6, from 8-9 p.m. ET, "The Biggest Loser 13" averaged a 2.0/6 in 18-49 and 6.0 million viewers overall, to match its 18-49 rating of the prior week and generate a week-to-week gain of 6 percent in total viewers (to 6.0 million from 5.7 million). In the time period, "The Biggest Loser 13" ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in total viewers and adults 25-54. This week's telecast grew from its first half-hour to its fourth by 17 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.1 from a 1.8) and 10 percent in total viewers (6.4 million vs. 5.8 million). For its fourth half-hour from 9:30-10 p.m., "The Biggest Loser" ranked #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 (tie), adults 25-54, men 18-34 (tie) and all key adult-female demos.

Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, the NBC News Special "Decision 2012" averaged a 0.8/3 in 18-49 and 2.6 million viewers overall. In the time period, the news special ranked #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults, men and women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

On Wednesday, March 7 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, "Whitney" (1.6/4 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall) scored three-week highs in 18-49 and total viewers, with week-to-week gains of 7 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.6 from a 1.5) and 2 percent in total viewers (4.2 million vs. 4.1 million). In an intensely competitive time period opposite Fox's "American Idol," CBS's "Survivor: One World" and ABC's encore of "The Middle," "Whitney" earned its top 18-49 and total-viewer results since February 15. Versus NBC's average in the time period last season, "Whitney" was up 23 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 1.6 vs. a 1.3, "live plus same day" non-sports). Note that first-run telecasts of "Whitney" have averaged a 36 percent increase on these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen has issued "live plus seven day" results.

Wednesday at 8:30 ET, "Are You There, Chelsea?" (1.5/4 in 18-49, 3.6 million viewers overall) delivered four-week highs in 18-49 and total viewers, with week-to-week gains of 15 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.5 from a 1.3) and 5 percent in total viewers (3.625 million vs. 3.452 million). In an intensely competitive time period opposite against Fox's "American Idol," CBS's "Survivor: One World" and ABC's encore of "Suburgatory," "Chelsea" served up its highest results since February 8. This week's "Chelsea" retained 94 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "Whitney." Keep in mind that first-run telecasts of "Chelsea" have been adding 28 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results.

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1.0/3 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) locked up NBC's top 18-49 and total-viewer results in this time period since February 8. The "SVU" encore grew from its first half-hour to its second in every key ratings category. "SVU" grew from half-hour to half-hour by 22 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.1 rating from a 0.9) and 16 percent in total viewers (3.7 million vs. 3.2 million).

Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET, "Rock Center with Brian Williams" (1.0/3 in adults 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) shifted to the 10 p.m. hour with the show's highest results since February 8. Versus the prior week's figures in the 9 p.m. hour, "Rock Center" was up 43 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.0 from a 0.7), up 63 percent in adults 25-54 (1.3 vs. 0.8) and up 28 percent in total viewers (3.530 million vs. 2.748 million).

On Thursday, March 8 at 8 p.m. ET, "30 Rock" delivered a 1.4/4 in 18-49 and 3.4 million viewers in a highly competitive time period versus CBS's "Big Bang Theory," Fox's "American Idol," and ABC's rebroadcast "Wipeout." "30 Rock" equaled its 18-49 rating of the prior week. Note that "30 Rock" originals have been adding 46 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results so far this season.

Thursday at 8:30 ET, "Parks and Recreation" (1.8/5 in 18-49, 3.7 million viewers overall) delivered its highest 18-49 rating since January 19. Week to week, "Parks and Rec" is up 6 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.8 from a 1.7) in a competitive time period versus Fox's "American Idol," CBS's "Big Bang Theory" rebroadcast and ABC's encore "Wipeout." "Parks" built on its lead-in by 29 percent in 18-49 rating. Keep in mind that on average this season, original telecasts of "Parks" have been adding 36 percent to their next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating when Nielsen includes additional time-shifted viewing in "live plus seven day" ratings.

Thursday from 9-9:31 p.m. ET, "The Office" (2.6/7 in 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall) matched its highest 18-49 rating since February 2. "The Office" built on its lead-in by 44 percent in 18-49 rating and 34 percent in total viewers. "The Office" is #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-49 and #1 in adults, men and women 18-34 in a competitive time period versus CBS's "Person of Interest," Fox's "Finder" and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" encore. Note that on average this season, "Office" originals have been adding 47 percent to their next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating when Nielsen reports additional time-shifted viewing in "live plus seven day" ratings.

Thursday at 9:31 ET, "Up All Night" (1.7/4 in 18-49, 3.4 million viewers overall) matched its highest rating since February 2 and delivered its biggest overall audience since February 9. Week to week, "Up All Night" is up 6 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.7 from a 1.6) and up 2 percent in total viewers (3.444 million vs. 3.384 million). In a competitive time period versus the concluding half-hours of CBS's "Person of Interest," Fox's "The Finder" and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" encore, "Up All Night" is #1 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-34 and women 18-34. Note that "Up All Night" originals have been adding 50 percent to these next-day "live plus same day" ratings when Nielsen issues "live plus seven day" results so far this season.

Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, "Awake" (1.6/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) has in its first two weeks earned NBC's two highest 18-49 ratings in this time period since December 8. In its second half-hour this week, "Awake" remained within a tenth of a point of its first half-hour (with a 1.5 rating vs. a 1.6). In the time period, "Awake" is #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults 18-49, ahead of ABC's repeat of the "GCB" premiere, and is tied for #1 in adults 18-34.

Versus NBC's season average in the time period prior to "Awake," this week's telecast is up 33 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 1.6 rating vs. a 1.2).

On Friday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET, "Who Do You Think You Are?" averaged a 1.0/3 in 18-49 and 4.9 million viewers overall.

Friday at 9 p.m. ET, "Grimm" (1.5/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in the time period in adults 18-49, total viewers and most other key categories and finished #1 in adults 18-34. "Grimm" built on its lead-in by 50 percent in 18-49. Note that on average this season, "Grimm" originals have been adding 61 percent to their next-day "live plus same day" 18-49 rating when Nielsen reports additional time-shifted viewing in "live plus seven day" ratings.

Friday at 10 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (1.3/4 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) maintained a 1.3 rating in 18-49 for a third week in a row to equal its highest rating since February 10. In total viewers, the Friday "Dateline" grew week to week by 23 percent (to 5.0 million from 4.0 million.

On Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. ET, a rebroadcast of "Harry's Law" (0.6/2 in 18-49, 4.4 million viewers overall) finished #1 in the time period among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in total viewers, tied for #1 in women 25-54 and tied for #2 in adults 18-49. "Harry's Law" filed NBC's highest 18-49 rating in the time period since February 11 and attracted the network's biggest overall audience in the slot since January 21.

Saturday at 9 p.m. ET, "The Firm" (0.6/2 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) grew versus the prior week by 50 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.6 from a 0.4) and 59 percent or 1.3 million persons in total viewers (3.512 million vs. 2.211 million). These are the top 18-49 and total-viewers results for "The Firm" in its four original Saturday telecasts to date.

Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (0.7/2 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) grew from its first half-hour to its second in nearly all key categories, including gains of 33 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.8 from a 0.6) and 19 percent in total viewers (3.8 million vs. 3.2 million).

On Sunday, March 11 from 7-8 p.m. ET, "Dateline NBC" (0.9/3 in 18-49, 4.8 million viewers overall) grew from its first half-hour to its second in all key ratings categories, including gains of 25 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.0 from a 0.8) and 20 percent in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.3 million).

Sunday from 8-9 p.m. ET, the time-period debut of "Harry's Law" (1.1/3 in 18-49, 9.0 million viewers overall) matched NBC's top 18-49 rating in the time period since February 19 and attracted the network's biggest overall audience in the slot, excluding sports, since the Golden Globe Awards on January 15. Versus NBC's non-sports average in the time period last season, "Harry's Law" was up 90 percent in total viewers (9.047 million vs. 4.756 million).

Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET, "The Celebrity Apprentice" delivered a 2.0/5 in 18-49 and 6.5 million viewers overall, and ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 25-54 in a competitive time period versus ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and "GCB," Fox's "Family Guy" and "American Dad" and CBS's "Good Wife" and "CSI: Miami." "Celebrity Apprentice" built on NBC's results in the prior hour from 8-9 p.m. ET by 82 percent in 18-49 rating (2.0 vs. 1.1).

From its first half-hour to its fourth, "Celebrity Apprentice" grew by 21 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 2.3 from a 1.9) and by 14 percent in total viewers (7.1 million vs. 6.2 million), to move into a tie for #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in 18-49 during the 10:30-11 p.m. ET half-hour and to rank #1 outright in adults 25-54 with a 3.1 rating in that category.